What are Complications of Cat Neutering?

Most cats recover from a neuter surgery very well, though some experience complications.cat image by Lori Boggetti from Fotolia.com

Neutering your cat can be very beneficial to his health. Neutering eliminates roaming, spraying and fights in 90 percent of male cats, according to the University of California Davis Veterinary School. Neutering also helps protect your cat from incurable diseases such as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and helps control the cat population. Most veterinarians recommend neutering your cat when he is around six months old. Most neutering procedures do not result in serious complications, but there is a risk of problems as with any surgical procedure.

Reaction to Anesthesia

Negative or allergic reactions to anesthesia are rare in cats, but they do occur. Veterinarians perform neutering procedures under general anesthesia, usually administered through an IV. To minimize problems relating to anesthesia, many veterinarians perform blood work prior to surgery to screen cats for any pre-existing medical conditions that may predispose them to anesthetic complications. Tell your veterinarian if your cat shows any signs of illness prior to surgery, and follow your vet's pre-surgery instructions, including withholding food and water from your cat as instructed.

Cats can develop an infection around the incision following surgery, especially if they lick it excessively. Most vets recommend neutered cats wear cone collars for several days to several weeks following surgery to prevent them from licking the incision site. Internal infections can also develop after surgery, though these are rare. If your cat appears ill, contact your veterinarian. Most infections are not serious and clear up quickly with antibiotics.

Some pet owners are concerned about personality or behavioral changes in their cats following neutering. According to the University of California, Davis, 25 percent of cat owners report that their cats are more docile after being neutered. This is most likely because they are less likely to roam, causing some cats to gain weight. Most cats do not go through major personality or behavioral changes following surgery. If you feel your cat's general activity level or other behavioral aspects change drastically after surgery, contact your veterinarian to rule out other possible health conditions.